Board approves 2017-2018 budget

Board approves 2017-2018 budget

For immediate release
June 23, 2017- The Peace River School Division (PRSD) board of trustees approved the 2017-2018 budget at the regular board meeting held earlier this week. The division’s total budget is $48,282,549.00.

Over and above basic education, PRSD’s 2017-2018 budget funds mentorship and leadership programs, Inclusive Education initiatives, technology integration, wellness initiatives and employee contract obligations. Operational dollars provide safe and caring learning environments through physical upgrades, maintenance on schools and safe transportation for students. In order to continue to fund such programs and maintain operations, PRSD will withdraw $1,283,522 from reserves leaving a projected reserve balance of $3,889,274.00 at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.

“In the areas of programming and supports for students and staff, the board has elected to use reserves, however, this is not a long term solution” says Board Chair Darren Kuester. “School boards are funded by the government based on student enrolment and in many of our communities, we are experiencing a natural decline in enrolment. Families are getting smaller and if government funding is not increased in the future, we will be unable to provide the current levels of staffing and programming for our students.”

In comparison to last year’s funding levels, funding from the government has not changed with the exception of the introduction of the School Fee Reduction Grant. PRSD will receive $130,000.00 which will help to offset some of the lost revenue from the elimination of school fees.

“On behalf of the board of trustees, thank you to management, administrators, school and departmental staff and School Councils for their assistance in developing the 2017-2018 budget” says Kuester.